In his briefing to members of the UN Security Council late yesterday, High Representative Valentin Inzko contrasted the performance of governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina in facing the country’s serious challenges over the last four years, with the impressive response of everyday people in reacting to devastating floods.
“The parties, officials and institutions governing the country at various levels have not responded to problems in last four years with the same spontaneous urgency and creativity with which everyday people responded to the floods. And this is why Bosnia and Herzegovina has been on a downward trajectory since 2006,” High Representative Inzko said.
With the seventh post-war general elections concluded, he called on incoming governments to address the country’s serious socio-economic problems urgently, to recommit themselves to the rule of law and the fight against corruption, and to deliver the reforms needed to unblock progress towards the European Union and NATO.
Noting that “the start of a new mandate provides us with a timely opportunity to start afresh,” the High Representative urged that “The situation must be tackled head on…There must be a fundamental change – the interests of the country and its citizens must be put before those of a privileged political class. The German and British initiative offers a good platform for a fresh start. We extend full support to this initiative and hope that BiH politicians will use this opportunity.”
The High Representative also spoke out clearly to condemn continued calls for a referendum on secession coming from some politicians, making clear that such talk is a waste of time, since the Dayton Peace Agreement does not allow for the entities to secede.
“I am appalled that some leaders still insult the intelligence of their own citizens, believing that talk of secession, division and hatred will hide their own failures to deliver a better life for people.” Inzo said.
Concluding his address, he reaffirmed the international community’s continued commitment to a functional and prosperous country, and to those people and political forces within the country that are willing to support this vision.
“Those politicians and people who want to work together in good faith to take the country forward will have our full and active support,” High Representative Inzko said, concluding that “The future is not about dividing people. It is about coming together.”
Click here for the full text of the High Representative’s speech to the UN Security Council.